Kukla's Korner Hockey

Turco was good friends with Brady’s predecessor, Brian Griese, who helped the football program to a share of the national championship in 1997. It was normal for the football and hockey teams to hang out and Brady was one of those players who would make frequent visits to the hockey house.

“He was younger and we treated him like a third stringer,” Turco said with a smile. “He was quiet, kind of like he is now. He was pretty reserved and picked his spots. We didn’t see nothing crazy out of Tom.”

Turco remembers how Griese described Brady: “This guy is as good as anybody.” ...

“He was always over at the house and was a nice kid, a California kid from the Bay Area. I always wanted to play golf with him because I heard he was pretty good. More than anything, I want him to take me to Olympic Club. I’m not an idiot, you know,” Turco said with a laugh.